Is Dog Walking Cardio Exercise?

Dog walking may or may not count as cardio exercise, depending on some variables. I’m a certified personal trainer who has also walked a large dog.

Brisk walking produces a training effect on the cardiovascular system. If you happen to be holding the leash of a dog while doing this, it doesn’t change things; you are still getting the cardio benefits of brisk walking (or slower uphill walking)

Make sure you really are briskly walking (if on level land), rather than being tricked into thinking you are because your Pomeranian is briskly moving. A fast walk to a tiny dog does not equate to a brisk clip in the dog’s handler.

The handler may not be able to get a tiny breed to move fast enough to equate to a fast walking pace for the handler. In this case, the handler needs to look elsewhere for a walking cardio workout, and just focus on the dog’s cardio benefit during these times.

For larger breeds, a person can definitely get in the equivalent of a “fitness walk” with the animal. Sometimes, along with the cardio training effect is a little bit of resistance training if a large strong breed keeps pulling on the leash.

To increase the level of cardio exercise while walking a large (or even medium) dog, throw in some jogging. It does not have to be nonstop; it can be interval style.

In my case, I did high intensity interval training with a German shepherd. But I will give a warning about this: If you don’t alternate hands when it comes to holding the leash, you may end up with strained muscles in the hip and waist area, as I did. I held the leash only in my left hand, which caused more tugging on my left side while sprinting.

Another point to consider is that the sprinting or fast running, while holding the leash of a dog that’s trying to run faster than you, will alter the dynamics of your running gait.

Your arms (obviously) will not be able to move the same way as they would during a standard run or sprint, and this includes your free arm. The motion of your legs will be altered as well.

My advice is to pass on interval sprints or even fast runs with a large dog unless the animal is well-trained at keeping pace with its master rather than trying to run faster than the handler.

A leisurely stroll or slow walk (unless up a good hill) with any-size dog does not count as cardio exercise. Walk briskly if your pet can keep up. If not, reserve a time slot without the dog where you can do cardio exercise.


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